Everest Academy

5935 Clarkston Road

Clarkston, MI 48348

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 15, 2024

Some of the teachers are very good, while others are suspect at best (like most schools). Communication from the teachers is horrendous for being such a small school. The administration is EXTREMELY lacking. Both the academy and high school carry massive amounts of overhead. Which is likely where the funds are going because the actual facilities are embarrassing. As a whole, the school is extremely pretentious, beginning with their own staff. Constantly touting how great they are academically (without proof backing it up). The arrogance of the staff is almost unbelievable. The staff feels like they know what’s best for your child, even better than you as a parent. The school is very “conform or die” and despite what they say, they do not actually build teachings styles for individuals and where they are at in the educational journey. The best part of the school is actually not a part of the school. The other families are excellent. Exactly how the type of families that you’d love for your kids to be around. At the same time, it is a very “Keeping Up With The Joneses” school and some are extremely snobby. At the same time, forcing families to volunteer hours or pay extra money is a lot considering how much they charge for tuition (again going back to the overhead for the administration). Like many aspects of life, the more money you donate to the school, the more they bend the rules for you. There are a handful of families and their financial backing that are keeping the school afloat. So, when they threaten to leave, mountains will be moved. I’d also recommend people looking to the history of the Legionaires because it is not always a great one. Unfortunately, in good conscience I cannot recommend sending your child there and would actually avoid it. It is probably the greatest mistake I feel I made when it comes to my children.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2023

My kids started Everest in 2018 and they have loved it ever since. Has it been easy, absolutely not. They have standards that as a parent I had a VERY difficult time dealing with. However, would I do it again? YES. Like any school, regardless private or public, you WILL have challenges. That is just reality. *The class sizes have been perfect - The Discipline is exactly what kids need these days and this school has it.Kids may not like it, but I as a parent do. *The academics: Tough..I did need to get my kids tutoring. They are advanced. Just be prepared if need be. *The uniforms: Really nice - I like the blazers for Mass or special occasions. It is a nice look for all the students. *The athletics: You do not need to be a Joe Montana or Len Bias (It wouldn't hurt) but the sports are taken seriously. They strive to win. The football program is EXCEPTIONAL in the high school. *The faith formation: What can I say, this is the VERY reason why I sacrifice the drive and the financial investment. This is where they excel above AND beyond. I cannot emphasize enough the depth of the Christian Catholic faith that is taught and practiced is beautiful. I love the Padres!!*The Priests/Consecrated: Without the Priests, there is NO Catholic school. Bottom line. These men are dedicated to saving their souls from day one. I love the confession on demand. Everyone's favorite. Mine included :-) The consecrated women are devout and determined to help the kids as well.*The staff: The teachers follow the school's policies and practices. While I may have butted heads with a couple over the years, they do their best to hear the parent while following guidelines. I think communication and respect are key to a successful relationship/partnership. The kids: Gosh, well, this is always a toughie. If you didn't start there from pre-k or Kindergarten, it can be emotionally tough for the kids. Nothing like being the new kid. I just go with what I know is right: Just be yourself. *The parents: It has been a lovely experience meeting many great families.There are some that keep to themselves and just go about their business because it is safe, and there are others who are all in and committed. Either way, they all care.-for the good of the children. I have had nothing but wonderful experiences. *The finances: It isn't cheap. However, they definitely will help if you need it. Final thoughts: Pray about this. Ultimately, TRUST in Jesus for the answer.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2022

My children have attended Everest since lower elementary school. My oldest just graduated with the 2022 high school class and I couldn't be happier with Everest Collegiate. He will be attending a top-tier school and I believe he will use the skills he has received at Everest to be a force of change in the world. The administration, counselor, and teachers are second to none. You will not find another group of educators that care more about the well-being of your child as a whole person. Everest concentrates on the entire formation of the child (human, intellectual, spiritual, and apostolic). I feel that the personalized attention that my children have received will bear many fruits into college and beyond. Some may say the school is small and therefore does not offer enough in the way of clubs, activities, etc... I would say my children have been able to play all the sports that the school offers, be in every production and activity that is offered, and they actually play and compete (unlike other schools where a child is on the team, but he rides the bench). I really can't say enough good things about our school!
Submitted by other on March 09, 2021

I attended Everest Academy for several years. The school is operated by the Legion of Christ, who push a particular form of “fundamentalist Catholicism” for lack of a better term. We were taught things like Biblical literalism (e.g. young earth creationism) and mysticism (e.g. if you look at a communion wafer under a microscope, you will see human cells) that are contrary to official Roman Catholic teaching.The most problematic consequence of this ideology is the segregation of boys and girls into separate classes starting with the 3rd grade. This outdated practice fails to equip students with the interpersonal and social skills necessary for their adult lives. The school also begins recruiting students for religious orders (i.e. studying to become a nun or priest), as soon as the genders are split into separate classes, which is concerning given how young the students still are.Lastly and most importantly: I would encourage anyone considering sending their children to Everest to conduct more research on the religious order that operates the school (Legion of Christ) and in particular, its founder.
Submitted by other on January 15, 2020

This school portrays itself like a giant castle of pride and excellence when I’m reality it is a sinkhole of strict rules and guidelines. It’s either a conform to our beliefs or be punished. YOU CANT EVEN SPEAK SPANISH WITHOUT GETTING PUNISHED! This school is putting on a fantastic show for the world to see but if you read between the lines Everest Academy is a terrible and snobby rich kid school. The uniforms aren’t even comfortable or “modest”
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2018

Horrible. Bullies are celebrated and rewarded. If you learn differently, you are punished and expected to adjust your learning style, even in elementary school.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2018

Great amazing families, Most of teachers are top notch, School has been going downhill for years and getting worse. Not what it used to be, and doesn't practice what it preaches
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2016

Everest has been an incredible academy and high school experience for all three of my children. The school is led by excellent administrators who are competent and caring, and every teacher my children has had during their time at Everest has been top notch! The school is not only highly academic, but its focus is on helping to form students socially and spiritually as well. Discipline is handled appropriately, and the school does a good job of balancing students' personal struggles with the need to maintain high, but fair standards that allow for all students to learn in a safe and healthy environment.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2015

We have had the opportunity to send three to Everest, our first K-5, our second, just Kindergarten and the youngest just for 8th grade. If we had to do it over again we would have done Everest all the way through for the last two. The academics and faith are strong and the teachers are excellent. The teachers truly care about each students success and want to help. After moving our son here from a local parochial school, we witnessed that they get how to teach boys and turn them into respectful young men. The respect is mutual, which creates a wonderful atmosphere. The faculty and administration lead by example, which gives students an excellent role model. All I can say is have your son or daughter shadow for a day, attend an all school mass and you will see and experience the love at this school. It's like an extended family.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2015

My son attended Everest for grades 9-12. I feel that the education he received there far exceeded what he would have gotten from a public school. The teachers there pushed him both inside and outside of the classroom and they raised the bar continuously. That has made all the difference for him now that he's in college.
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2012

Everest Academy delivers more than we could have expected! Our daughter started Kindergarten this year and she has shown significant growth in every aspect of her formation. This very spirited little girl is turning into the most joy-filled and challenged young lady; with her spirit intact. The seeds of Intellectual, Human, Spiritual and Apostolic development have taken root and are blossoming more each day. The teaching staff and administrators are the most devoted group of people you can imagine. In additional to challegning academics, the students are kind and respectful toward on another. We mean it wholeheartedly when we say, "Thank God for Everest!"